Catalog Archive
Auction 115, Lot 143

"Map of the United States and Territories Showing the extent of Public Surveys and other details constructed from the Plats and official sources of the General Land Office…", General Land Office

Subject: United States

Period: 1866 (dated)

Publication: Annual Report of the Commr. Genl. Land Office

Color: Hand Color

Size:
54.5 x 28 inches
138.4 x 71.1 cm
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This map, in original hand color, is one of the more remarkable maps produced by the General Land Office and is a more handsome chart than the 1867 edition. It shows the extent of the Public Surveys just after the Civil War and includes many items of great interest. Most significant are the gold, silver, copper, and other mineral deposits that are color-coded to mark their location. The sites of army forts and posts provide an excellent view of the undeveloped territories and the western frontier. Details include land grants, townships, subdivisions, railroads, mining districts & etc. Present-day Wyoming is shown as part of the Dakota Territory. In the West, survey progress is spotty with much of Southern California complete, but only small areas of New Mexico and Arizona finished, and no surveys at all in Utah, Montana and Wyoming (here part of Dakota). The geological key also locates via color and icon deposits of quicksilver, iron, tin, asphaltum, coal and oil springs that are shown scattered throughout the country. Constructed from Plats and Official Sources of the General Land Office under the direction of Hon. J.S. Wilson, Commissioner, by Theodore Franks. Signed in the plate by Wilson. The General Land Office (GLO) was created in 1812 to oversee local land offices and in 1849 was incorporated in the Department of Interior.

References: Wheat (TMW) #1137; Phillips (A) #1388-23

Condition: B

Issued folding, now pressed and backed with archival tissue. Original hand coloring in outline. Some light toning along a few folds, else very good.

Estimate: $350 - $450

Sold for: $250

Closed on 6/21/2006

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